Giuliana Rancic has shared her perspective on her past relationship with actor Jerry O'Connell, describing it as "traumatizing" and "cold" in a recent podcast episode. Rancic's comments, made on the "Bill and Giuliana" podcast, come days after O'Connell discussed their breakup from 2003 to 2004 on Kelly Ripa's podcast.
Rancic, 51, stated that O'Connell, 52, was "downplaying what [their] relationship was" in his previous remarks. She asserted that their year-and-a-half relationship was intense, with the couple spending "24/7 every day, every night" together and frequently exchanging "I love yous."
Cheating Scandal and Reconciliation
The reporter recalled a pivotal moment when O'Connell was in London filming a movie with Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell. Rancic described seeing photos of O'Connell and Halliwell holding hands as "the most shocking moment of my life," leading her to fall to the ground crying. When she confronted O'Connell, he admitted to having "screwed up."
Rancic stated that O'Connell later reached out to her, reportedly crying about wanting her back after a relationship with Halliwell. He then allegedly appeared at Rancic's apartment building, entering her elevator despite her request for him to leave. According to Rancic, O'Connell apologized, calling her "the love of my life" and admitting it was his "biggest mistake."
The couple reconciled, but Rancic detailed another instance of O'Connell's alleged infidelity. After attending the Maxim Hot 100 Party in Las Vegas, O'Connell told Rancic he needed to return for work. Rancic said she could not reach him and, fearing for his safety, considered calling the police. O'Connell eventually responded that he was "fine."
The Balcony Breakup
Rancic clarified details surrounding their eventual split, which she previously wrote about in her 2016 memoir "Going Off Script." While she had previously stated they broke up via a condo intercom, she revealed on the podcast that O'Connell ended the relationship by stepping onto his second-floor balcony. She described O'Connell as "dismissive" and "cold as ice" during this event, noting that she was unaware of another person being present at his apartment.
Rancic characterized the breakup as "devastating, heartbreaking, humiliating [and] traumatizing." She mentioned that O'Connell had been invited to appear on the podcast to clarify his past actions, stating her intention was to "unfuzz" his memory from a place of "love."
Rancic is now married to Bill Rancic, and they share a son. O'Connell is married to Rebecca Romijn, with whom he has twin daughters. Rancic concluded by saying, "Everything happens for a reason. We are both happily married now, both have great families and we are both exactly where we’re meant to be."